Buoyant apparatus system

ABSTRACT

A buoyant apparatus system for use on a user&#39;s foot having an outer frame including a foot insert and a plurality of folding flaps. The outer frame is substantially rectangular having a tapered bow end. The outer frame has a bottom surface having a plurality of folding flaps extending downwardly therefrom to increase drag and folding parallel to the bottom surface to decrease drag. A foot insert is integrally coupled to the outer frame at the center for accepting the user&#39;s foot therein. A pair of paddle is used to increase propulsion and maintain stability.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority from and takes the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/477,110 filed on May 22, 2012, which in turn claims priority from and takes the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/489,315 filed on May 24, 2012, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to aquatic recreation and sports, and more particularly, to a specifically designed buoyant apparatus system for travelling along the surface of water. In particular, the buoyant apparatus system includes a pair of buoyant apparatus, wherein each apparatus possesses an outer frame having a foot insert for easily positioning a user's foot therein and a pair of paddles to assist in movement and stability.

2. Description of the Related Art

Water enthusiasts have enjoyed recreational activity and sports such as water skiing, wake boarding, paddle boarding, and surfing to travel along the surface of water while enjoying the outdoors. Most of the current devices for recreational water activity do not allow for stabilized and controlled movement through the water. For example, a person must kneel or lay onto top of a surfboard to paddle in a desired direction. The direction and stabilization of a surfboard is hard to control because the bottom of the surfboard is generally flat with only one end having a downwardly extending fin to provide control. In addition, water skis require the forward movement and velocity of a boat to pull the user and generate enough pressure for the water skis to maintain stability.

Current devices for recreational water activity and sports do not allow for stable and controlled movement while maintaining flotation principles along the surface of the water without the need for additional equipment. Current devices, such as water skis, require the forward momentum of a boat to provide the extra pressure required to keep the skis and user afloat. Likewise, kayaks require the user to maintain a paddle stroke to move the kayak in a desired direction.

In addition, common water recreational devices only engage the upper body muscles and do not provide a full body workout. For example, when paddling in a kayak, only upper body muscles are engaged to maneuver the paddle through the water. These common devices do not allow for a person to engage both the lower body and the upper body simultaneously.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. Thus the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are illustrated herein.

It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus, which allows the user to travel along the surface of water. Accordingly, the present invention is a buoyant apparatus system for use on a user's feet, wherein each buoyant apparatus includes an outer frame having a foot insert and a pair of paddles to allow the user to travel in a desired direction along the surface of the water while maintaining flotation characteristics.

It is an object of the invention to provide a neutrally buoyant apparatus. Accordingly, the outer frame of each buoyant apparatus of the present invention allows the weight of the user, when in use, to oppose upward pressure of displaced water thus creating the neutral buoyancy required to maintain flotation of the buoyant apparatus along the surface of the water.

It is another object of the invention to provide an apparatus suitable for a user's foot. Accordingly, a foot insert is integrally coupled within the outer frame of the present apparatus, which allows the user to secure their foot into the outer frame thus maintaining control while moving along the surface of the water.

It is another object of the invention to allow the user to maneuver the apparatus when on the surface of the water. Accordingly, a pair of paddles is used to provide added propulsion when walking across the surface of the water.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide increased stability when in use. Accordingly, a pair of paddles is used to maintaining the balance of the user as the paddles serve as a third and fourth contact to the water surface.

It is another object of the invention to allow the user to glide along the surface of the water. Accordingly, to move in a forward direction, the user alternates their body weight while extending each foot and corresponding paddle outwardly and thus glides along the surface of the water moving in a forward direction.

It is yet another object of the invention to increase and decrease resistance such that user can easily travel in the desired direction. Accordingly, a plurality of folding flaps are fixed to the bottom surface of the buoyant water apparatus that fold depending on the direction of movement allowing for decreased resistance when the user extends their foot forward and increased resistance when the user pulls their foot backward providing the force necessary for forward movement.

It is another object of the invention to provide a buoyant apparatus system suitable for all ages. Accordingly, the buoyant apparatus system is available in a variety of dimensions to suit the size of the user's foot.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide an environmentally friendly water apparatus. Accordingly, the buoyant apparatus system of the present invention is usable without the need for a motorized boat thus reducing excess pollution.

This invention is a buoyant apparatus system for use on a user's foot having a buoyant apparatus with an outer frame including a foot insert and a pair of paddles. The outer frame of the buoyant apparatus is substantially rectangular having a bow end, center, and stern end such that the outer frame tapers near the bow end similarly to a boat. The outer frame has a bottom surface having a plurality of folding flaps affixed thereon. A foot insert is integrally coupled to the outer frame at the center for accepting the user's foot therein. A pair of paddles for stabilization and movement. The paddles consisting of a paddle portion, a handle, and a floatation device.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of a buoyant apparatus system in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein and these aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof, which description should be considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a top and a bottom perspective view of the buoyant apparatus system of the present invention for use on a user's foot

FIG. 2 illustrates a pair of paddles for use with the buoyant apparatus system.

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side view of the buoyant apparatus system showing a plurality of folding flaps located on the bottom of each buoyant apparatus in an upward position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the buoyant apparatus system wherein the folding flaps are shown in an extended or outward position.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention with a fin running lengthwise along each buoyant apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present invention may be construed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of the steps for producing the system and accompanying apparatus. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate a top and bottom view of a buoyant apparatus system 1 of the present invention for recreational water activities and sports. In its broadest context, the buoyant apparatus system 1 comprises a pair of buoyant apparatus's 10, wherein each buoyant apparatus of the pair includes an outer frame 12 and a foot insert 14 for accepting a user's foot therein. Preferably, each foot insert 14 is located on a top surface 28 of each buoyant apparatus 10 and located substantially in the center. Additionally, each buoyant apparatus 10 includes a plurality of folding flaps 20 located on a bottom surface 30 of each buoyant apparatus 10 for providing stability and control during operation by a user.

The outer frame 12 of each buoyant apparatus 10 includes a bow end 22 similar to a miniaturized hull, a starboard side 36, a port side 34, and a stern end 26. The outer frame 12 has a port side 34 and a starboard side 36 as defined by known nautical terms. Each outer frame 12 has a top surface 28 and a bottom surface 30 such that when in use the bottom surface 30 is submerged under water similar to a displacement boat such as a canoe or kayak. This allows the buoyant apparatus 10 to glide easily through the water with less resistive forces.

Preferably, the outer frame 12 of each buoyant apparatus 10 is substantially rectangular with a taper at the bow end 22 and is uniquely designed to allow water to displace as the user applies weight to the buoyant apparatus 10. The user's weight opposes the upward pressure of the displaced water thus creating neutral buoyancy and allowing the buoyant apparatus 10 to continuously remain afloat while moving along the surface of the water. Thus, the buoyant apparatus 10 displaces water while remaining lightweight. As such, the buoyant apparatus 10 is suitable for calm waterways such as bays, lakes, and ponds and maneuverable through rough waterways such as rivers and oceans.

In one embodiment, the outer frame 12 is made from Styrofoam for providing durability and buoyancy while in use. In alternate embodiments, the outer frame 12 is made from foam encased within fiberglass to provide a smooth surface or made of a hard plastic shell. Other materials well known in the art for water sports equipment are contemplated. Preferably, the outer frame 12 is suitable for all ages and is available in sizes for adults and children. For children up to forty six pounds, the outer frame 12 is approximately two and one half feet (2½′) in length, nine and one half inches (9½″) in width and ten inches (10″) in height at a center 24 of the outer frame 12, tapering to a point at the bow end similarly to a boat hull. Similarly for adults up to two hundred and fifty pounds, the outer frame 12 is approximately four feet (4′) in length, twelve and one half inches (12½″) in width and twelve inches (12″) in height at the center 24 of the outer frame 12, tapering to a point at the bow end 22 similarly to a boat hull. The tapered bow end 22 of each buoyant apparatus allows it to move easily through the water. Other dimensions are contemplated for the outer frame 12 to suit users of different foot sizes and varying weight groups. In the preferred embodiment, the outer frame 12 is painted to provide a smooth surface for decreased water resistance. The outer frame 12 may be painted in a plurality of designs or colors to suit the user. The outer frame of the buoyant apparatus 10 contains a compartment 60 built into the stern 26 of the top surface for storage and protection from the water. The compartment 60 contains a bottom portion and a top lid. The top lid and the bottom portion create a waterproof seal when closed protecting items. The compartment sits flush with the top surface. At the bow end 22 of the top surface of the buoyant apparatus 10 is a circular hole 62 designed to hold fishing poles. The depth and width of the circular hole 62 is selected to hold various fishing rods.

Each foot insert 14 is integrally coupled within the outer frame 12 at the center 24 of each buoyant apparatus 10 such that when in use, the user's foot is positioned inside the foot insert 14 inside the outer frame 12. Positioning the foot insert 14 at the center 24 of the outer frame 12 allows the weight of the user to simultaneously oppose the upward pressure of the displaced water. Thus, allowing the user to fully balance their weight within the buoyant apparatus 10 for increased control. The foot insert 14 is similar to well known boots found on water skis or wake boards. In the preferred embodiment, the foot inserts 14 are adjustable for different size feet such that the user's foot fits securely therein to aid in controlling the apparatus 10. Preferably, the foot insert 14 is made of soft durable rubber having a slick resistant coating to prevent the user's bare foot from sliding while within the foot insert 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates a pair of paddles 40 for added propulsion and stability as part of the buoyant apparatus system 1. In the preferred embodiment the pair of paddles 40 is comprised of two identical paddles 40A and 40B. Each paddle consists of a handle 42, a floatation device 44, and a paddle blade 46. The floatation device 44 ensures that the user does not place the paddles too deep in the water only allowing the paddle blade 46 to enter the water.

FIG. 3 illustrates a right side right side view of one preferred embodiment of the instant invention. The buoyant apparatus 10 is shown and described for the user's left foot. An alternate embodiment suitable for the user's right foot is contemplated, which is a mirror image of the buoyant apparatus 10 as shown and described.

A plurality of rubber bands 21 affixed to the starboard side 36 of the outer frame 12 to prevent the buoyant apparatus 10 on each foot of the user from straying too far apart while in use. The rubber bands are similar to well-known stretchable and durable industrial strength rubber bands in the art. Similarly, for the buoyant apparatus 10 suitable for a user's right foot, the plurality of rubber bands are coupled to the port side 34 of the outer frame 12, thus coupling each pair of buoyant apparatuses 10 and preventing the rubber bands 21 from becoming tangled when the buoyant apparatuses 10 are in use. The plurality of rubber bands 21 is wrapped to increase strength and durability. Exposure to water can reduce the active life of the rubber bands 21 so the wrap is a water resistant material.

A plurality of Velcro pads 23 may be affixed to the starboard side 36 of the left buoyant apparatus 10 and the port side 34 of the right buoyant apparatus 10. The plurality of Velcro pads 23 allows the two buoyant apparatus 10 to be temporarily affixed in order to aid the user to get back on the buoyant apparatus after a fall has occurred.

In another embodiment of the instant invention, a pair of magnets 50 may be placed on the port side 34 of the right buoyant apparatus 10 and the starboard side 36 of the left buoyant apparatus in lieu of the rubber bands 21.

A plurality of folding flaps 20 are affixed to the bottom surface 30 of each outer frame 12. The folding flaps contain a base surface 25 affixed to the bottom surface of the buoyant apparatus. The base surface 25 is affixed to a flexing point 27. The flexing point 27 is affixed to the moving flap 27 that extends into the water. The folding flaps 20 provide stability and a source of propulsion to the buoyant apparatus 10 by folding and unfolding at the flexing point 27 as the user moves the buoyant apparatus. The folding flaps 20 extend downward when the user draws the buoyant apparatus 10 towards their body providing propulsion through increased drag and then fold parallel to the bottom surface 30 of the outer frame 12, reducing drag, when the user extends its foot forward.

FIG. 4 illustrates a left side view of the buoyant apparatus 10. The buoyant apparatus 10 is shown and described for the user's left foot. An alternate embodiment suitable for the user's right foot is contemplated, which is a mirror image of the buoyant apparatus 10 as shown and described. In this figure the folding flaps 20 in the position perpendicular to the bottom surface 30 of the buoyant apparatus. In this position the folding flaps 20 increase drag and allow the user to propel their self forward.

In another embodiment of the instant invention, a pair of magnets 50 may be placed on the port side 34 of the right buoyant apparatus 10 and the starboard side 36 of the left buoyant apparatus in lieu of the rubber bands 21.

In one embodiment, a method of use of the buoyant apparatus system 1 may be described as follows: A user first secures a life jacket around their torso in keeping with safety guidelines and procedures for water recreational activities. Preferably, the user is in a seated position along a dock or located along a shallow area of a body of water. The user then prepares to utilize the buoyant apparatuses system 1, by simply sliding their right foot into the foot insert 14 of into one of the pair of buoyant apparatus that corresponds to a user's right foot and sliding the user's left foot into the foot insert 14 of the other one of the pair of buoyant apparatus that corresponds to a user's left foot. The user then picks up the pair of paddles 40, placing one of the paddles 40 in the user's right hand and the other paddle 40 in the left hand of the user. The user squats or stands in a hunched position to balance and stabilize their weight onto the pair of buoyant apparatuses 10 by aligning the buoyant apparatuses. When the user feels their weight is evenly distributed between each of buoyant apparatus 10, the user slowly stands upright.

To move in a forward direction and travel along the surface of water, the user extends one of the pair of buoyant apparatus 10 outwardly with the bow end 22 pointed in the direction of movement, placing their body weight on the other buoyant apparatus 10 not in movement. As the user 100 extends one of the buoyant apparatus, the folding flaps 20 on the buoyant apparatus 10 in motion remains parallel to the bottom surface 30, creating less drag such that the buoyant apparatus 10 in motion easily slides along the surface of the water. Simultaneously the user lifts and extends the corresponding paddle 40 to the buoyant apparatus in motion by placing it in the water when the user's arm is extended. The user 100 then alternates their body weight to the buoyant apparatus in motion and then slides the other one of the pair of buoyant apparatus not in motion outwardly with the bow end 22 pointed in the direction of movement in a forward direction and extends the corresponding paddle outwardly placing it in the water when the users arms are extended. The user 100 repeats the movement placing their body weight on the left apparatus 10B to travel forward along the surface of the water.

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of an alternate embodiment of the buoyant apparatus 10 invention where the bottom of the buoyant apparatus 10 contains a fin 64. The fin 64 runs along the bottom surface 30 of the buoyant apparatus from the bow end 22 to the stern end 26. The fin 64 runs the entire length of the buoyant apparatus 10.

In conclusion, herein is presented a buoyant apparatus for use on a user's foot. The invention is illustrated by example in the drawing figures, and throughout the written description. It should be understood that numerous variations are possible, while adhering to the inventive concept. Such variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A buoyant apparatus system for use on a user's foot comprising: a pair of paddles; and a pair of buoyant apparatus's, wherein each buoyant apparatus further comprises: an outer frame; a foot insert integrally coupled with the outer frame for accepting the user's foot; and a plurality of folding flaps.
 2. The pair of buoyant apparatus's of claim 1 wherein the outer frame further comprises: a bow end; a center; a stern end; a port side; a starboard side; a top surface; and a bottom surface.
 3. The pair of buoyant apparatus's of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of rubber bands, wherein the rubber bands are fixed to the port side of one buoyant apparatus and the starboard side of one buoyant apparatus securing the pair of buoyant apparatus's.
 4. The buoyant apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of folding flaps further comprise: a base surface affixed to the bottom surface of the buoyant apparatus; a flexing point; and a moving flap that extends into the water.
 5. The buoyant apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer frame is substantially rectangular and is tapered at the bow end.
 6. The buoyant apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer frame comprises: A compartment at the stern end of the top surface; and A circular hole at the bow end of the top surface.
 7. The compartment at the stern end of the top surface of claim 6 wherein the compartment comprises: A top lid; and A bottom portion.
 8. The top lid and bottom portion of claim 7 wherein the top lid creates a waterproof seal with the bottom portion.
 9. The circular hole at the bow end of the top surface wherein the circular hole is sized to hold a fishing pole.
 10. The pair of paddles of claim 1, wherein the paddles are identical and each paddle comprises: a handle; a flotation device; a paddle blade.
 11. The flotation device of claim 10, wherein the flotation device portion is affixed between the paddle blade and the handle.
 12. A buoyant apparatus system for use on a user's foot comprising: a pair of paddles; and a pair of buoyant apparatus's, wherein each buoyant apparatus further comprises: an outer frame; a foot insert integrally coupled with the outer frame for accepting the user's foot; and a fin.
 13. The pair of buoyant apparatus's of claim 12 wherein the outer frame further comprises: a bow end; a center; a stern end; a port side; a starboard side; a top surface; and a bottom surface.
 14. The pair of buoyant apparatus's of claim 12, further comprising: a plurality of rubber bands, wherein the rubber bands are fixed to the port side of one buoyant apparatus and the starboard side of one buoyant apparatus securing the pair of buoyant apparatus's.
 15. The buoyant apparatus of claim 12, wherein the fin further comprises: a fin running along the bottom surface from the stern end to the bow end of the outer frame.
 16. The buoyant apparatus of claim 12, wherein the outer frame is substantially rectangular and is tapered at the bow end.
 17. The buoyant apparatus of claim 12, wherein the outer frame comprises: A compartment at the stern end of the top surface; and A circular hole at the bow end of the top surface.
 18. The compartment at the stern end of the top surface of claim 17 wherein the compartment comprises: A top lid; and A bottom portion.
 19. A method for travelling along the surface of water utilizing the system of claim 1, comprising the steps of: placing a user's left foot in the foot insert of the left buoyant apparatus; placing a user's right foot in the foot insert of the right buoyant apparatus; placing a paddle in the users right hand; placing a paddle in the users left hand; aligning the buoyant apparatuses by having the user squat or stand in a hunched position to balance and stabilize the buoyant apparatuses; and having the user of the buoyant apparatuses stand upright.
 20. The method for travelling along the surface of water of claim 19, further comprising the steps of: extending the user's right buoyant apparatus outwardly with the bow end of the right buoyant apparatus pointed in the direction of motion; extending the user's right paddle outwardly in the direction of motion; placing the right paddle into the water; placing the user's body weight on the right buoyant apparatus; extending the user's left buoyant apparatus outwardly with the bow end of the left buoyant apparatus pointed in the direction of motion; extending the user's left paddle outwardly in the direction of motion; placing the left paddle into the water; placing the user's body weight on the left buoyant apparatus; and repeating the steps of extending the user's right buoyant apparatus followed by extending the user's left buoyant apparatus. 